If you’re hunting for the ultimate game day snack or just need a crave-able, spicy veggie fix, you are going to fall head-over-heels for this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower! Each floret is coated in a crispy batter, air-fried to golden perfection, and drenched in tangy buffalo sauce — the perfect blend of crunch, heat, and addictive flavor, all lightning-fast thanks to the air fryer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Outrageously Crispy: The air fryer transforms cauliflower florets into golden, crunchy bites — all without deep frying or excess oil.
- Seriously Satisfying Spice: Tangy, bold buffalo sauce seeps into every nook and cranny, delivering that iconic kick you crave.
- Crowd-Pleasing (and Vegan!): These spicy bites work for nearly any crowd, whether you’re plant-based, flexitarian, or just obsessed with great snacks.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Pair with vegan ranch for parties, game nights, or easy weeknight appetizers — it’s always a hit!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s beautiful about Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is how such simple pantry ingredients can create such magic. Every component here is carefully chosen — for crispiness, flavor, and that signature vibrant color — so don’t skip a thing!
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the batter, ensuring every floret gets perfectly crispy edges.
- Cornstarch: This is the secret to irresistible crunch — it lightens the batter and boosts that shatteringly crisp exterior.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses each bite with a subtle, savory depth.
- Onion Powder: Adds layers of flavor for a more well-rounded, delicious cauliflower.
- Paprika: Offers warmth, a touch of smoky sweetness, and that appetizing orange hue.
- Sea Salt: Enhances all those bold flavors and keeps things balanced.
- Water: Gives the batter the perfect consistency so it clings, but never overwhelms.
- Cauliflower: The star of the show! Choose a large, fresh head for satisfying, meaty florets.
- Buffalo Sauce: Toss or brush it on — this brings the addictive heat and tang that makes these so irresistible.
- Vegan Ranch (optional): A seriously creamy, cooling dip to tame the heat (or just because it’s so darn good).
Variations
The beauty of Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is how adaptable it is — whether you want to turn up the heat, keep it gluten-free, or experiment with different sauces, there’s a way to make it perfect for you. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this dish your own!
- Gluten-Free: Swap the regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend to keep things light and accessible for everyone.
- Extra Spicy: Mix cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce into the batter or buffalo sauce if you love serious heat.
- Mild & Kid-Friendly: Use a milder buffalo or BBQ sauce for little ones or spice-shy friends, so everyone can join the snack party.
- Different Veggies: Try this method with broccoli florets, zucchini slices, or even Brussels sprouts for a fun twist!
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Step 1: Prep the Batter and Cauliflower
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F so it’s nice and hot. While it preheats, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and sea salt in a large bowl. Stir in the water until a smooth, lump-free batter forms. Add the cauliflower florets and gently toss until every piece is well-coated and ready for its crispy transformation.
Step 2: Arrange and Air Fry
Lift the battered cauliflower out one piece at a time, letting the excess batter drip back into the bowl. Arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving some space between each floret to ensure that signature crunch. Air fry for 9 minutes — you’ll see the outsides starting to get golden and crisp.
Step 3: Flip and Sauce
Carefully flip the florets with a spatula so both sides can crisp up beautifully. Brush them all over with buffalo sauce, so it bakes right in, and return to the air fryer. Cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are deep golden and perfectly crunchy.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is crisped to your liking, pull them out and brush with more buffalo sauce — as much or as little as you like! Serve while hot, with vegan ranch for dipping if you want to put this snack experience over the top.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
- Don’t Crowd the Basket: Space out the florets in a single layer for top-tier crispiness — it’s better to cook in two batches than end up with soggy buffalo bites!
- Slick That Sauce Strategically: Brush on a little buffalo sauce before the final minutes in the air fryer so it caramelizes slightly, then drench them right before serving to lock in that fiery, glossy finish.
- Get the Right Cauliflower Cut: Larger florets mimic that “wing” experience and hold their shape — chop your head of cauliflower into hearty, 2-inch pieces rather than teeny ones.
- Double Dip for Maximum Crunch: If you love a thicker coating, you can always dunk your battered florets back in for a second coat before air frying. More crunch, more fun!
How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Garnishes
Dress up your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower with a flurry of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice or sprinkle of sesame seeds can also take things to the next level, adding a burst of brightness alongside the fiery flavors.
Side Dishes
These cauli “wings” are perfectly at home next to classic sides like carrot and celery sticks with ranch or blue cheese, crispy sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, tuck them into wraps or serve over grains for a spicy bowl everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower into lettuce boats, layering them on a platter with rainbow veggies, or threading them onto skewers for a fun party presentation. They’re so photogenic you might not even want to share!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which honestly, is rare!), pop the cooled florets into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind they’ll lose a bit of their signature crunch — but all that zesty buffalo flavor sticks around.
Freezing
For best results, freeze the battered but UNCOOKED cauliflower on a sheet pan, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook straight from frozen in the air fryer, adding a few extra minutes until golden and crispy. Fully cooked cauliflower isn’t ideal for freezing, as it tends to soften when thawed.
Reheating
The best way to re-crisp Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is to air fry again at 375°F for 4-5 minutes. You can also use a hot oven (400°F), spread out on a sheet pan, until heated through. Try to avoid the microwave if you can — it’ll zap the crunch!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen cauliflower for Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower?
Yes, you can substitute frozen cauliflower florets in a pinch. Just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before dipping in the batter, as excess moisture can prevent crispiness and cause the batter to slide off.
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What kind of buffalo sauce should I use?
Use any buffalo-style hot sauce you love — classic Frank’s RedHot is always a winner, but feel free to choose spicier or milder varieties based on your heat preference. Just make sure to use a sauce with some tang for that authentic buffalo flavor!
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Can I make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower oil-free?
You can! The recipe as written doesn’t require any added oil for cooking, though a quick spritz of olive oil before air frying can boost the golden color. The cauliflower will still get crispy thanks to the batter and air circulation.
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Why is my batter not sticking to the cauliflower?
If your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower batter isn’t sticking, it could be because the florets are too wet (pat dry before coating!), or the batter is too thin — it should coat the cauliflower well without dripping off entirely. Add a touch more flour if needed, and make sure your florets aren’t too small or overhandled before dipping.
Final Thoughts
I hope you dive in and treat yourself to a warm batch of homemade Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower soon! It’s seriously fun to make, deliciously bold, and sure to make you the hero of any snack table. Grab your air fryer and get ready for the crunchiest, most satisfying cauliflower ever!
Print
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Air Frying
- Method: Air Frying
Description
This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in spicy buffalo sauce, this cauliflower dish is perfect for game day or as a tasty appetizer.
Ingredients
Batter:
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 cup water
Other:
- 1 head cauliflower, about 2 pounds, broken into large florets
- Buffalo Sauce, for brushing
- Vegan Ranch, for dipping, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Add water and whisk until smooth. Add cauliflower and stir to coat.
- Cook the cauliflower: Lift the cauliflower florets out of the batter, allowing excess to drip back. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 9 minutes, then flip and brush with buffalo sauce. Air fry for 5-10 more minutes until crispy.
- Serve: Remove from air fryer, brush with more buffalo sauce. Serve with vegan ranch if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
